A MODERATE FARMER'S VIEWS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17731, 3 December 1919, Page 8

A MODERATE FARMER'S VIEWS.

To the Editor. Sir, —I read the report of Mr Powdrell's meeting at Westmere, and reported in the "Wanganui Chronicle" of 26th ult. He said he stood for the bare majority. Perhaps they would ask why he was a Prohibitionist. Drinr; was destroying humanity. Their produce was worth a hundred millions a year, and it was estimated that 10 per cent, was lost through drink; allowing 5 per cent, it meant a tremendous loss. In 1918 there were 7295 convictions for drunkenness, but how many were not convicted They had an army of 70,000 young fellows getting drunk, and still they voted continuance. They should change these men from spenders to savers, and should encourage them to get their own homes, and later they might get 10 to 50 acres. What they wanted was an opportunity, and giving them drink did not mean that. The Premier of Great Britain found %hat England's very existence was in danger during the war period owing to the tremendous loss in efficiency owing to the drink curse, and had the courage to take steps to curtail the sale of liquor by declaring prohibited areas and in other ways. But for the great wealth and influence of those in high places and interested in the trade very much more drastic action would have been taken. I have often thought what a pity it is that more of our Members of Parliament, and would-be members, do not make a clear and distinct declaration on this question. A question which before the war was of very great importance, and of vital importance now, when the greatest economy and efficiency are absolutely necessary if Great Britain or her Dominions are to hold their positions amongst the nations. What chance has New Zealand of producing sufficient to pay her wr debts with the present expenditure on intoxicants and consequent loss in efficia-icy? By putting it out the burden would be light and the conditions of the people better generally. During the last campaign the New Zealand soldiers who had not returned were misled by agents of the Liquor Party. They were told that the No-license party had taken advantage of their absence to bring about the poll b3fore the men could return, and this being so, all the New Zealand soldiers should, on principle, vote against Prohibition. They so worked on the feelings of the men that a large majority did vote continuance. Again the Liquor Party are working returned men for all they are worth, going so far as to issue posters showing returned soldiers, with badges on, refusing the overtures of a No-license canvasser. I, however, feel sure that the returned men, who have sacrificed so much for their country, will, after hearing both sides of the question as it affects New Zealand, and having seen the misery and trouble caused by drink in other lands, will do their share in doing away with it. We know that a great deal, of the misery and poverty in the world, also most of the Labour trouble, is directly or indirectly caused by overindulgence in intoxicants, and it is up to those who can take them in moderation and who have been strong enough to resist the temptation to go to extremes, to do their utmost to assist others who are not in the same fortunate position. Vlie one and only way, to my mind, is to wipe the cursed thing out.—l am, GtC MODERATE DRTNKER.